Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), in collaboration with the FBI and the U.S. Justice Department, has seized a luxury vehicle, a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, from popular dancehall musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr., known as Shatta Wale.
In a press release issued by EOCO’s acting Executive Director, Raymond Archer, the agency stated that the seizure followed a request from U.S. authorities made in 2023.
The operation took place at Shatta Wale’s residence in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra.
“In June of this year, the Economic and Organized Crime Office, acting on a request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Justice Department, conducted a lawful search at a home in Trassaco Valley Phase 1, Accra.
“The operation, carried out by the Surveillance and Asset Recovery Unit (SARU) of EOCO, resulted in the discovery and seizure of a 2019 Lamborghini Urus, which the FBI and the Justice Department have linked to the proceeds of criminal activities by one Nana Kwabena Amuah, who is currently serving an 86-month sentence for various financial crimes in the U.S.,” the statement read in part.
EOCO revealed that the luxury vehicle was found in Shatta Wale’s possession. He was allowed to surrender it voluntarily to avoid a public scene.
“The car was seized from Charles Nii Armah, also known as Shatta Wale. The officers conducted the operation professionally and civilly, with the search and seizure occurring without incident.
“Nii Armah requested that the seizure not be made public, as the vehicle was a significant part of his brand.
“He expressed concerns that if his supporters saw the vehicle being taken away by EOCO, it would harm his reputation. Consequently, he was allowed to surrender the vehicle himself, which is currently in the custody of EOCO,” the statement explained.
The agency clarified that SARU officers were armed during the operation as a standard safety measure.
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“It is standard protocol for SARU officers to carry weapons while on duty to ensure their safety,” the statement added.
The EOCO said the Lamborghini is connected to criminal proceeds from Nana Kwabena Amuah, who owes $4.74 million in restitution to U.S. authorities.
The vehicle is expected to be repatriated to the United States as part of the recovery effort.
“The FBI and the Justice Department intend to send a formal mutual legal assistance request to the Ghanaian government to return the vehicle to the United States, as part of Nana Kwabena Amuah’s restitution of $4,743,443.
“Both Charles Nii Armah, also known as Shatta Wale, and a former senior officer of the National Signal Bureau (NSB) have been identified as persons of interest and will be invited by EOCO to assist in ongoing investigations in the coming days.”
EOCO also confirmed that it may share its final investigation report with U.S. authorities as part of their continued cooperation.
“EOCO may share the final investigation report with the FBI and the Justice Department as part of our ongoing collaboration,” the statement concluded.
